Artist Hong Nga and Meritorious Artist Le Thien (photo: Thanh Hiep)
Meritorious Artist Le Thien recently visited artist Hong Nga, one of four famous artists who suffered from "memory loss". She said: "Artists live by memories, emotions and pieces of their lives transformed into roles and lyrics. When those memories are severed, it seems like they also lose a part of their ego."
In the Vietnamese art world, four famous artists who once lived in the limelight had to face "memory loss" at the end of their lives: singer Phuong Hoai Tam, film artist Doan Chau Mau, Meritorious Artist Phuong Quang and Cai Luong artist Hong Nga.
"Memory loss" causes singer Phuong Hoai Tam to quit her career
Singer Phuong Hoai Tam
The singer known as the "student voice" lost in the vortex of Alzheimer's, she is considered the voice associated with songs written about school age in the 1970s, captivating many generations of audiences with her charm and youthful style.
Meritorious Artist and singer Hong Van sadly recalls: "Despite her great success, she did not consider singing as everything, but only considered it a means of making a living. Her true dream was the beauty industry."
After 1975, she and her family moved to the United States and opened a beauty salon in San Jose, one of the first places for Vietnamese people to live there. Her life seemed perfect until the cruel disease of Alzheimer's knocked on her door.
In her final days, the once-famous "student singer" had to leave the stage and live in a nursing home, letting her memories gradually fade away. Many colleagues could not help but grieve: "A voice that once captivated so many hearts, now she can hardly even remember her own name. It is a tragedy that makes any artist feel moved when hearing it."
"Memory loss" causes movie star Doan Chau Mau to go into hiding
Artist Doan Chau Mau
Born in 1917, entering cinema quite late, but artist Doan Chau Mau quickly affirmed his mark through the roles of patriarchal fathers and underworld bosses.
He made a lasting impression with his role in the horror film Tears of Stone, a character who suffered a concussion and lost his memory. Ironically, in 1999, at the age of 83, he fell down the stairs at his home in Hawaii, sustaining a severe head injury and permanently losing his memory. This accident coincided hauntingly with his fateful role in Tears of Stone.
Artist Tu Trinh choked up and said: "Art seems to have come into his life. On film it is fiction, but in the end it becomes reality. The only difference is that the audience can remember the role forever, but he lost himself. Because of his memory loss, he lived in seclusion for the last years of his life, and his family did not want him to see anyone."
Artist Phuong Quang – a lifetime song and a noble wish
Meritorious Artist Phuong Quang and People's Artist Ngoc Giau in the play "Motherly Love"
Meritorious Artist Phuong Quang - who won the Thanh Tam Gold Medal in 1966, is famous for his singing voice that has the sound of People's Artist Ut Tra On but is very unique. He is associated with revolutionary plays, especially the role of King Riem in Nang Xe Da. But after a brain surgery, he gradually lost his memory.
In his final days, the talented artist still kept his intense love for Cai Luong, even though his memories were gradually fading. He passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a will to donate his body to medical science. A generation of young artists shed tears upon hearing the news: "Even when his memories faded, he still thought about future generations. His will is the most beautiful testament to his love for art and humanity."
Artist Hong Nga – when the stage lights are only in broken memories
From left to right: Actors Thuy Muoi, Phi Phung, People's Artist Hong Nga and Phuong Dung
Of the four artists, perhaps Hong Nga’s story makes many colleagues feel the most heartbroken. At the age of over 80, Hong Nga forgets her friends and audience, and sometimes she doesn’t even recognize her own children.
The artist who once captivated audiences with her roles as a unique and flirtatious actress, with over 60 years on stage, now has to fight oblivion. Many colleagues who came to visit could not hide their tears. That was the moment when artist Hong Nga "found herself", even if only for a moment.
The tragedy of amnesia cannot erase the brilliant contributions of the four artists. They have left behind an everlasting artistic legacy and love for their profession in the hearts of their colleagues and audiences.
Singer Hong Van was moved: "I was lucky enough to meet and listen to Ms. Phuong Hoai Tam sing. Her memories may be lost, but the memories of her voice in our hearts will never be lost."
Artist Lan Ngoc tearfully said: "I have performed with Mr. Phuong Quang in many general art programs. He is strict on stage but full of love in real life. I still remember every look, every song of his. To us, he will always be a monument."
Meritorious Artist Phuong Quang rowed a boat on the Hau River while filming the traditional song "The Ferryman" by composer Vien Chau
Artist Tu Trinh choked up when mentioning artist Doan Chau Mau: "He was a very unique and different actor. The fateful coincidence between his role and his life makes us feel pain, but also shows that art and life are sometimes strangely connected. He will always be remembered by the audience and colleagues."
Meritorious Artist Thoai My devoted all her love to artist Hong Nga: "Mother Nga is someone I always respect. Even though her illness made her forget many things, the audience will never forget her. Her roles and her love for the profession will remain with us forever."
Source: https://nld.com.vn/bon-nghe-si-ve-chieu-bi-mat-tri-nho-bi-kich-lang-le-sau-anh-hao-quang-196250818112113263.htm
Comment (0)